1.- INTRODUCTION TO THE SUN GATE
In order to understand the importance of the Sun Gate Machu Picchu it is first important to understand the environment in which it is located. The Inca citadel of Machu Picchu is considered one of the most emblematic and iconic archaeological sites in the world, located 2420 m above sea level in the Peruvian Andes is a sample of the ingenuity and skill that the Inca culture had in engineering and architecture. For a long time Machu Picchu has been a point of attraction for historians, scholars and many people around the world who not only consider it an architectural wonder but a place where culture and tradition are kept alive.
Its history begins in the XV century, attributing its construction to the Inca Pachacuteq, of course its function has been a point of permanent discussion among historians and archaeologists who have described it as a ceremonial center or sacred place where only a select few could live. However, with the passage of time it was established and recognized that the citadel had a multifunctional purpose since it contained religious, urban, military, agricultural and administrative spaces. Thanks to its location on top of a mountain, it is considered a strategic and control point from where possible invasions could be observed and also represents the nexus between heaven and earth. It is known for certain that this city was never discovered by the Spanish conquerors and that it was presented to the world only in the age of 1911 by the American explorer Hiram Bingham, in which of course the local people have always known of its existence.
Originally the Inca citadel was connected with other places through the network of roads known as Qaphaqñan, among them stands out the one that is currently known as the Inca Trail and the intermediate point that connects this road with the Inca citadel is the logical equine center also known as Sun Gate Machu Picchu, a point of access and control at the same time from where the passage of visitors was filtered and at the same time the Sun Gate Machu Picchu has a special meaning within the Andean belief as it is directly related to a generation a sun god.
2.- WHAT IS THE SUN GATE MACHU PICCHU?
The mysterious Inti Punku Machu Picchu is not only an archaeological center, it is also a natural point considered as the preferred viewpoint to appreciate the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu in all its splendor. It is located on the left side of the Machu Picchu mountain and is 2720 m above sea level, although many categorize the visit to Inti Punku Puerta del Sol as a difficult hike, the reality is that it is more extensive so it requires physical endurance, the normal time required to visit the Sun Gate Machu Picchu on average is two hours. The Inti Punku Machu Picchu is characterized mainly for being a construction that contains walls, windows, doors and a set of terraces quite rustic.
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3.- HOW TO GET TO SUN GATE MACHU PICCHU
Visiting the Inti Punku Puerta del Sol for many travelers becomes indispensable, of course for this you first have to know which is the best way to get there, there are currently two ways in which a visitor can get to the top of the Sun Gate Machu Picchu.
- The first way to get to know the Sun Gate Machu Picchu is the most traditional, through the Inca Trail in any of its versions (classic Inca Trail 4 days or short Inca Trail 2 days) allowing travelers to ascend to the highest point of the entire historic sanctuary and enjoy a privileged view of the city of the Inca, In the case of the classic Inca Trail of 4 days experience to visit the Sun Gate Machu Picchu is done the last day during the early hours of the morning so the opportunity to appreciate Inti Punku Machu Picchu with the first rays of the sun, while in the version of the short Inca Trail of 2 days you get to visit the Sun Gate Machu Picchu between noon giving you the view of the Inca city of Machu Picchu in its splendor.
- The second option to visit the Sun Gate Machu Picchu is through one of the new circuit options that is in force since 2024, this option allows all visitors who have purchased the entrance ticket with a circuit 1C to access the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu to know the top and then continue on the trail until you reach the Sun Gate Machu Picchu from where you can get unique photographs.
4.- Importance in Incan architecture
The Inca architecture has become a symbol of cultural pride for all people and at the same time is a reflection of the sophistication that the Inca civilization had and the influence on much of the South American continent long before the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors. The approach that many of the architectures are presented is the harmony they have with nature that in many cases was made respecting the natural environment and in this way the construction is molded so as not to affect it, within the constructions made by the Inca culture can still appreciate some enclosures and complexes that were more oriented to spiritual, gastronomic and social beliefs. Taking this starting point, the archaeological center of the Sun Gate Machu Picchu stands out as one of the most significant places that not only represented a control point in the Inca citadel but also had a direct link with the worship of the sun god and religious ceremonies.
5.- BEST TIMES TO VISIT THE SUN GATE MACHU PICCHU
Visiting the Sun Gate Machu Picchu is possible throughout the year, however you must take into account that the best time to visit it will always be in the dry season that occurs between May and October, these months are particular because the presence of rainfall drops considerably and the skies are clear almost most of the day so the hiking experience and visibility will be much better, however you should also consider that being a good time of year the presence of visitors to the Sun Gate Machu Picchu increases dramatically.
6.- TIPS FOR VISITING THE SUN GATE MACHU PICCHU
6.1.- Permanent hydration
A key aspect to be able to properly enjoy the hike that must be done to reach the Sun Gate Machu Picchu is to keep your body adequately hydrated, this allows frequent oxygenation and in the same way you can feel relieved without feeling much pressure, also aspects such as altitude, the sun and the same activity of walking will cause your body to dehydrate constantly.
6.2.- Flexible schedules
There is a possibility that the hike to the Sun Gate Machu Picchu will take you a little longer than the time mentioned above, since each traveler has his own pace, for this reason it is appropriate that you do not plan your schedule very close, it is better to have free time to enjoy everything calmly.
6.3.- Physical preparation
Although an activity is not demanding in itself, you should consider doing physical activities a few weeks before your trip for this is recommended to make small walks of 15 to 20 minutes daily, this allows your body to adapt gradually.
6.4.- Height
Although the altitude of the Sun Gate Machu Picchu is not so high, for many travelers it can represent a challenge for this reason it is recommended to arrive in Cusco at least two days before to allow the body to adapt calmly.
6.5.- Equipment and protection
The best way to enjoy this experience is light, this will allow you to advance at a steady pace without setbacks and extra fatigue from the luggage, in addition to which the clothing should be light allowing you to walk without discomfort. Considering that for two days the sun can be very strong for this reason it is also a good idea to bring sun protection such as sunglasses, a hat and even sunscreen.
7.- USEFUL INFORMATION FOR YOUR TRAVEL
“A very important fact that you have to consider is that the entrance ticket of circuit 1 C allows you to know the upper terrace of the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu and the Sun Gate Machu Picchu, however you can not visit the rest of the Citadel, for this you need to buy a second ticket exclusively with circuit 2 A or B.”
8.- FAQs ABOUT THE SUN GATE MACHU PICCHU
- What is the Sun Gate at Machu Picchu?
The Sun Gate Machu Picchu is a natural viewpoint that is located within the historic sanctuary of Machu Picchu, it also represents a checkpoint for people arriving to the Inca citadel through the network of traditional roads such as the Inca Trail. This archaeological center has a direct relationship with the worship of the sun god.
- How do you get to the Sun Gate from Machu Picchu?
To access the Sun Gate Machu Picchu from Machu Picchu, you must first purchase the entrance ticket for circuit 1 C, this gives you access to the citadel and allows you to reach the upper terrace, from there on the left side begins a path that will allow you to reach the Sun Gate Machu Picchu.
- What is the best time to visit the Sun Gate?
During the dry season that occurs between May and October is the best time to visit the Sun Gate Machu Picchu because the weather is much more stable without the risk of having a sudden rain.
- Is hiking to the Sun Gate difficult?
No, in fact the characteristic of this activity is that it is more extensive so travelers only require physical endurance to reach it unlike the Huayna Picchu mountain which is steeper and more challenging.
- How long does it take to hike to the Sun Gate?
The average walking time is two hours, however depending on the pace each traveler could do it in less or more time.
The adventure of discovering the Sun Gate Machu Picchu starts now, adding it to your trip is not complicated but it does require proper planning. Auri Peru specializes in designing adventures and experiences tailored to your needs in an exclusive way, contact us and live an unforgettable vacation.
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